QB Ryan Fitzpatrick cut by Bills, Other Free Agency Moves

Ryan Fitzpatrick is out in Buffalo, the first major move as NFL free agency began Tuesday.

The Bills’ starting quarterback was cut 1½ years after getting a six-year, $59 million contract extension. Fitzpatrick struggled after signing the new deal, and the Bills went 6-10 in 2011 and in 2012.

Buffalo has not made the playoffs since 1999, the longest active streak in the NFL. For now, the Bills’ No. 1 quarterback is Tarvaris Jackson.

Earlier in the day, Tony Gonzalez changed his mind, deciding wants to play football again.

The NFL’s career leader among tight ends with 1,242 receptions and 103 touchdowns, is still with the Atlanta Falcons. After saying he was 95 percent certain he would retire after 2012, the other 5 percent won out.

Hours before free agency began Thursday, Gonzalez tweeted:

“The lure of being on such a great team and organization, along with unbelievable fan support was too good to pass up,” Gonzalez tweeted.

His return was applauded by coach Mike Smith.

“Tony is one of the hardest working players I have ever been around and it will be good to have his leadership and work ethic back in our locker room,” Smith said.

Also Thursday, Philadelphia released cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, who just two years ago got a five-year, $60 million contract, $24 million guaranteed, when he left Oakland as a free agent. Asomugha was a flop in Philly, often victimized in single coverage.

Asomugha was scheduled to make $15 million next season, with $4 million guaranteed.

Po’uha was due to make $4.9 million in base salary this season, which would have become guaranteed if he remained on the roster Thursday. The move saved the Jets about $3.8 million on the salary cap.

Gilberry was signed as a free agent last September by Cincinnati and had 6½ sacks in 2012, with three fumbles recoveries, one for a touchdown.

Johnson is expected to start at strong safety after taking the job from Adrian Wilson late last season. Wilson, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, was released by the Cardinals last week.

Carolina cut linebacker James Anderson, a seven-year veteran who set a franchise record in 2011 with 174 tackles.

The Houston Texans released receiver Kevin Walter, who was due to make $2 million in salary. Walter never became the threat opposite Andre Johnson that the team hoped for. He caught 41 passes for 518 yards and two touchdowns in 2012.